Wells of hope ministries conducted a two-day capacity building training at Wells of Hope Junior School on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th February 2016. The training was aimed at equipping teachers with necessary skills to impact knowledge among children and for them to have confidence in their profession. The participants comprised the 7 teachers of the school and 8 staff from the head office.

Day One:The training was commenced by Devotions which were led by Marjorie Lunkuse, the Executive Director of Wells of Hope Ministries. She shared Luke 18:1-14 where she cautioned the rest of the staff to always humble themselves in order to serve God, and she encouraged the staff to be persistent in prayer while trusting God. Christopher, a teacher added that it is through humbleness that we can be exalted as in verse 14, “…and all who humble themselves will be made great.” Jacqueline, the Administrator quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 that prayer is one way through which we submit ourselves to God.Participants then had a session of introducing themselves in order to get to know one another. Charles, the Head teacher of the school gave the welcoming remarks and thanked staff for their support in helping children with a parent in prison. He added that according to last year’s report, the children’s performance and welfare have greatly improved.

Staff having breakfast

​Mrs.Ssuubi Ellen Eva, the Executive Director gave a detailed profile of Wells of Hope Ministries. She said that it is crucial for all staff to know how Wells of Hope was founded, what our interventions are and to also be familiar with the organizational values. She emphasized the need to pay special attention to children with a parent in prison because when they join Wells of Hope, staff especially teachers become second parents to them. Mrs.Ssuubi encouraged the teachers to love their profession and to always seek God's guidance.

​Mr.Kyazze Godfrey (from Masters Institute for Education (MIE)) who was the guest facilitator talked about the role of a teacher from the spiritual point of view.

Mr. Kyazze facilitating about the role of a teacher from a spiritual point of view

Godfrey encouraged teachers to sow seeds of truth as they serve God; he said that the character of Christ must be delivered as they teach children.He added that when the truth is sown, the harvest is peace and freedom, and he quoted John 8:32 “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” He urged teachers to endeavor using biblical aspects while interacting with children and he quoted Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." He emphasized the need for creativity in all aspects of teaching and to always be practical.Mr.Kayemba summed up his presentation by saying that childhood is a very critical stage of development which determines the future of a child. He introduced participants to the tripole of education namely:

Instruction; which symbolizes the head, where information goes.

Inspiration; which symbolizes the heart. This includes the learner’s attitudes, living testimonies, textbooks; which are all reached by God for He alone can change one’s heart

Discipline; which symbolizes the hands. This includes hands-on experience of the learner.

Instruction

​Day Two:Just like the day before, the training was preceded by Devotions. Beatrice led the praise and worship session, and Charles led the sharing and study of the word.

Devotion: Wells of Hope staff engaged in the praise and worship session

Charles led the Devotion session and he shared John 9:1-12. He cautioned the rest of the staff to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, to always read the word of God, to obey and listen to the voice of God. Mrs.Ssuubi Ellen Eva urged the rest of the staff to draw close to God especially during trying times.

Charles sharing from the bible

Staff reading their bibles during Devotion

​The Devotions were followed by a session on Child Protection which was led by Marjorie. She engaged the rest of the staff in making a recap of Children’s rights for example parental love and care, a right to play and a right to worship. Marjorie cautioned staff to always relate with children while considering the United Nations principles which govern Child Rights for example when one is interacting with a child, he/she must consider the best interest of the child.

Marjorie Lunkuse facilitating about Child Protection

Teachers paying attention during the training

The guest facilitator was Mr.Kayemba, the Inspector of Schools-Nakaseke district. He addressed the roles of a teacher from a professional point of view: he explained teaching as imparting, delivering, instructing teaching aid to learners. He said learning starts at conception and it’s is a continuous process and should not only end in the classroom. He said that learners mainly learn through play and imitation hence teachers should always create an appealing learning environment and to always act as role models to children.Mr.Kayemba advised teachers to desist from any kind of violence at school and to also be sensitive with children in order not to aggravate their problems.

Mr. Kayemba facilitating about the role of a teacher from the professional point of view

Additionally, he said that teaching is an attempt to help and influence someone’s behavioral change to a positive path. He said that teachers influence pupil’s behavior, values and attitudes through delivery of teaching content.

Jacqueline Sekyana, the Communications Officer of Wells of Hope Ministries talked about Confidence and Self-esteem.

Jacqueline Sekyana facilitating about Confidence and Self-esteem

She urged staff members to do away with fear and self sabotage due to low self esteem, She added that the good thing about is that self-esteem and confidence is that it can be learnt and can develop with time.She explained that some of the things that can build our self esteem are; always think positively about one’s self, good personal hygiene, learn to spoil yourself, exercise regularly, smile often amongst others. She concluded by explaining to the teachers some of the advantages of high self esteem and confidence to include: a happier and simpler life, less self sabotage and a person becomes more attractive to their peers.

Jacqueline said that a smile is one way that builds one's confidence; as a motivation, participantswere awarded certificates for maintaining beautiful.​

Joel receiving his certificate for having the widest smile

Marjorie receiving her certificate for having the friendliest smile

Stella Nabajja, the Projects Coordinator and Jacqueline Nakinda, the Accounts Assistant gave updates about the school like the departments and the clubs. They urged the teachers to serve as a team.​

Stella giving updates on school departments

Jacqueline Nakinda givind updates about the requisition format

Mr. Kayemba (4th left) and Wells of Hope staff sharing a photo

The teachers appreciated Wells of Hope for organizing the training which was very educative, and they look forward to putting what they learnt into practice.For both days, all staff and facilitators shared a sumptuous meal. We thank all who gave towards this training.